Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Pontiac G5 and 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the rear wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

Fig 1: Supporting Rear Axle With Tall Jack Stand

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Place 2 screw type jack stands under both ends of the rear axle.
Remove the rear brake hose bracket attaching nuts from the body.
Detach the rear brake hose brackets from the body allowing the lines to hang free.
Remove the lower shock bolts.

IMPORTANT: Do not kink the brake pipes while lowering the axle.

Lower the jacks in order to remove the coil springs.
Temporarily re-install the lower shock bolts to support the axle.

Fig 2: View Of Bushing Bracket-To-Body Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the bushing bracket to body bolts from both ends of the rear axle.
Using the jack stands, raise the rear of the axle until the bushing brackets pivot away from the body.
Remove the axle bushing through bolts and remove the bushing brackets.

Fig 3: Identifying J 44570-3 & J 44570-1

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Note the depth and orientation of the old bushing before removal.

Using the J 44570 , install the J 44570-1 (2) with the lip between the axle sleeve and bushing flange. See Special Tools . It may require tapping with a hammer to fully seat the tool.
Insert J 44570-3 (1) through the J 44570-1 (2) and the axle bushing.
Install the washer and nut by hand, tightening until the tool is snug.
Using a hammer, drive the bushing from the axle sleeve.
Disassemble the tool and remove the bushing.